Writing: Formal poetry
Villanelles, sonnets, haiku, limericks and more … Not all Janine’s poems follow strict forms, but these ones do …
Clerihew: Nicola Adams
Clerihew: Morrissey
Clerihew: Madonna
Clerihew: Laurence Fox
Clerihew: Rosa Luxemburg
Clerihew: Michael Gove
Clerihew Times Two: Herbert Morrison / Peter Mandelson
Clerihew: Simon de Montfort
Clerihew: Tony Abbott
Clerihew: Henry III
Clerihew: Emmeline Pankhurst
On the Level
Your Place
Last year, I wrote a poem (a pantoum) called ‘This Place’ about visiting my son in the adolescent psychiatric unit where he spent four months (read it here). He now has his own flat, living independently with support. So I … Read more
Dispensible Other
Accept our rule and stop this hue and cry Some loved ones have to go before their time It’s just the weak and sick and old who’ll die We have a theory here to justify Our nudging unit thinks it’s … Read more
Storm Damage
The End of the End of Austerity
It’s the end of the end of austerity Can you believe the temerity? Sajid has said That his promise is dead But the few will retain their prosperity “Austerity no more” is no more The previous promise ignored The election … Read more
Get Out Of Here
I’d like to get out but the lift doesn’t work And my knees are too weak for the stairs I meant to get out but the telly keeps telling me People like me should be scared I was going to … Read more
Lighting, Rigged
Thirty-five years ago, I was sexually assaulted at a gig. I never told anyone. But over the last few years, some stuff has prompted me to finally address it – by writing this poem. Standing by the ticket table, flogging … Read more
Five Crosses
A villanelle about the deaths of workers at the Crossrail Bond Street site. Don’t go down to level five A killer’s prowling in the deep Stay away and stay alive Worker bees construct a hive of industry, where toxins seep … Read more